The Pastor's Wife & Mom - A Tribute

The life of a pastor's wife is at the same time beautiful, blessed, complicated and confusing.  Yet, it is one of the most important and vital positions in the body of Christ.

In so many ways, a clergy wife sets the emotional and spiritual tone for the household, and becomes both the enabler and the encourager for every member of the family.  She is a critic at the right time when correction is needed, but she is a listener and an affirmer when her husband and children just want to talk. 

She feels lonely at times, and overwhelmed with parishioners at other times. She wishes the congregation understood the nature of her husband's call, but sometimes wonders what it all means herself.

She is a wife and mother first. She desperately desires more time with the family unit, but understands "balance" is a luxury and management is a must.

For most clergy wives, work outside the home is not an option. It is a necessity just to make ends meet. For others, it is a means of escape from the telephone and the "joy-suckers". Some feel called to their lot in life, while others all of a sudden just became a pastor's wife. For some, it is unbridled joy; but for others, they wonder how long they can hang on.

Yet, they are God's gift to His church and to those who lead her. They do not get enough credit, attention or reward. If anyone in the church needs to be prayed for, it is the pastor's wife. They need space. They need consideration. They need understanding. They need lots of love.

So, pastor friend, when you pause to recognize the moms in your congregation - don't forget the mother of your children. And in front of the assembled folks, let them know just how empty your ministry would be without your precious mate. Salute and honor her, my colleague! She is a treasure.

Why not give this week's podcast a listen?  It also honors "Mom"!  http://www.podcast.hblondon.org/

We'd love you to give it a listen before Sunday if you have time.  HB

Survey Results

Some time ago I asked our Pastor's Weekly Briefing readers what they were thinking about political correctness in the pulpit. Below you will find the results. How would you have responded to the 10-question survey? I would really like to know.

Last week, H.B. London asked what you were thinking about political correctness in the pulpit. We would like to express our thanks to those of you who responded by taking the time to let us know how you feel about being "politically correct" in the pulpit. The results are as follows:

1. Do you know what you can and cannot do from your pulpit without putting your 501(c)3 standing in jeopardy (politically speaking)?
Yes: 83%      No: 17%

2. Do you often make political or issues-related statements from your pulpit?
Yes: 41%      No: 59%

3. When you address issues such as abortion, homosexuality, ballot initiatives or "get out the vote," are you ever criticized?
Yes: 31%      No: 69%

4. Does your church board (deacons, elders, etc.) give you carte blanche to make or address political or moral issues without their consensus of opinion?
Yes: 86%      No: 14%

5. Do you feel the open pulpit is the place for you to make politically laced comments?
Yes: 36%      No: 64%

6. If you do make said comments publicly, have you paid a price for the statements you have made?
Yes: 29%      No: 71%

7. Would you allow a voter registration table to be set up in your church foyer?
Yes: 82%      No: 18%

8. Have you distributed "voter's guides" within your church body?
Yes: 79%      No: 21%

9. In a public sermon, would you be open to challenging the IRS guidelines related to what you can say or do as a 501(c)3 organization (a type of civil disobedience)?
Yes: 46%      No: 54%

10. Do you most often agree with the political issues addressed by Focus on the Family Action?
Yes: 97%      No: 3%